User Interfaces
Interfaces with residents, healthcare providers, and technicians have different requirements. Each must present an appropriate interface for performing the intended tasks, while conforming to the constraints imposed by form factor and usability. Longitudinal and offline analysis, and technical system monitoring may be accomplished using conventional PC interfaces. Limited access may also be provided through this means to residents for self-monitoring. Other interfaces are described below.
Healthcare Provider Interfaces
Real-time PDA Interface.
Resident tracking GUI.
Graphical interfaces for PDAs or Tablet PCs present high-level query interfaces for nurses, doctors, or other caregivers. They connect using 802.11b to the backbone infrastructure, where they gain access to the sensor network after providing sufficient credentials. These interfaces graphically present requested data for clear consumption by its user.
The GUI we developed for real-time querying of sensor data is shown at right, beside a tracking GUI that queries in-network sensors to track residents’ locations. They currently run in a JVM on an HP iPAQ 5550.
In-Network Interfaces
Wearable SeeQuery application.
We designed an LCD interface board for the MicaZ that is suitable for wearable applications, called the SeeMote. It presents sensor readings, reminders and queries, and can accept rudimentary input from the wearer. It has a five-button interface and a Secure Digital flash memory expansion port.
At right is shown the SeeMote’s color LCD, running the embedded SeeQuery application for querying and graphing sensor data. More details of its design and use for other applications are available.
SeeQuery may serve as an actuator to notify the wearer of important messages from an external entity. For example, an actuator can remind an early Alzheimer patient to check the oven because sensors detect an abnormally high temperature. Or, a tone may indicate that it is time to take medication.